travel guides | mackinac city & island, michigan
Being from West Michigan, Mackinac City & Island were always within a 3 hour drive of home. When my husband and I moved from Illinois to Michigan in 2022, a trip to Mackinac was among the first things we booked, as he’d never been before (and it had been over a decade since my last trip). Keep reading for our weekend itinerary!
getting to Mackinac City & Island
We drove to Mackinac City from West Michigan, which is about 3 hours. Depending on the time of year you’re going, I’d advise giving yourself extra time in case of construction or traffic (summer is notorious for traffic delays). We went in October and had no issues with traffic or delays. If you’re coming from out of state, flying into Grand Rapids & renting a car is a perfect option for getting up north. There are airports up north, but prices can be higher due to fewer flights.
To get to Mackinac Island, you’ll need to take a ferry. We went through Shepler’s Ferry and had a very good experience (Star Line is the other option, but as of August 2024, their fleet is inoperative due to extensive repairs being needed on the boats). Once again, if you’re visiting Mackinac in the summer, expect to wait a bit for the ferry, as there’s a higher volume of people going on and off the island in a given day. Since we visited in October, we had no issues or delays.
One thing to know about Mackinac Island is that there are no cars allowed, so your only transportation on the island is walking, taking a horse-drawn carriage, or biking (you may bring your own on the ferry for an additional cost, or rent on the island). If you’re traveling with young children or individuals with mobility issues, definitely keep this in mind. My husband and I took a bike ride around the island - it is well-paved & flat, so it’s not overly taxing, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way for a break & good view.
where we stayed
We opted to not stay on Mackinac Island, as the costs are usually very high. The Grand Hotel is a high-end but GORGEOUS option if you’re looking for luxury. There are bed and breakfast’s around the island, as well, which may be hard to book depending on the size of your group and the time you go.
We stayed in an adorable, quaint AirBNB about 2 minute walk from the Shepler’s Ferry docks in Mackinac City. I’d highly recommend staying in Mackinac City and taking a day trip to the Island.
delicious food & drinks
Doud’s Market - This is the oldest grocery store in the United States, established in 1884. In addition to a variety of groceries, they have premade salads, sandwiches and other options if you’re looking to eat in a park but don’t want to bring your own food to the island.
Ryba’s Fudge - We purchased some Ryba’s Fudge on the island and it didn’t disappoint. The island (and city) is filled with fudge shops, and typically offer samples. Don’t be afraid to check out a few stores’ samples before purchasing.
One thing to note on Mackinac Island is that food & drink costs are very high due to the effort & cost it takes to ship these goods to the island from the mainland (however, there are plenty of dining options on the island!). If you’re looking to keep things cost-effective, consider bringing your own food & snacks, and booking an AirBNB with a full kitchen. We used this option to keep our costs low, and it worked well.
things we did
Mackinac Island - We opted to bike the entire island, and walk about 1-2 miles of it, as well. Arch Rock is up a large flight of stairs, but has a beautiful vantage point over Lake Huron. If you bike the island, there are many spaces to stop for a picnic or swim, too. If you’re a history buff, I’d recommend visiting Fort Mackinac (there may be a small entry fee).
Headlands International Dark Sky Park - Dark Sky Parks are a great place to watch a sunset, and stay to stargaze. There are fewer and fewer areas in the United States where light pollution hasn’t impacted the ability to see stars, and Headlands (just west of Mackinac City) is one of them. The only other place I’ve seen better stars was when I was on an airplane, flying over the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of the night (if that’s a helpful comparison). We sat here for 3-4 hours, and probably would’ve stayed much later if I hadn’t gotten cold. Whether you’re here in the summer or fall, bring some snacks, drinks, chairs, and blankets.
Drive the Mackinac Bridge - If you’re not actually traveling to the Upper Peninsula but want the full experience, drive the Mackinac Bridge. You’ll pay a small toll (we paid $4) once you cross and arrive in St. Ignace. Expect wait times and traffic, as the bridge is heavily traveled during the summer. There are rest areas and picnic spots right off the bridge, so consider packing a lunch and looking at Mackinac City from the Upper Peninsula’s perspective!
Walking downtown Mackinac City - This city has plenty of shops, restaurants, and lakefront access. We felt super safe here, and it’s very easy to navigate.
Watch a sunset - Sunsets in Michigan can’t be beat. Watch on the shores of Lake Huron, looking at the Mackinac Bridge, or visit a dark sky park for a better view of the stars.
Explore the beach towns of northern Michigan - Coming from West Michigan, stops in Petoskey, Birch Lake, Torch Lake, and other beach towns were easy to make on our way to Mackinac City. If you have extra time and want to make some stops, northern Michigan’s beach towns are quaint and beautiful. Many are pretty busy in the summer, but slow down in the fall.
